Learn More About your Packaging Materials: 7 Facts About ABS Plastic

In our most recent post in the “Learn More About your Plastic Sheet” blog series we featured our extruded TPO and highlighted some of the characteristics and attributes of the material. Today, we will switch gears to discuss a very diverse polymer that is used in a variety of end use markets from household appliances, to automotive interiors, to construction tool sets and electronics – Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

ABS is commonly used in products such as lego bricks, lego blocks, toys, furniture, kitchen utensils, and protective carrying cases due to its durability and impact resistance.

The versatility of ABS allows this material to find a home in many unexpected niche markets, and different grades of this material can be specifically engineered to satisfy specialty applications. In this blog we expand upon on the unique properties of ABS that allow it to find a home in such a wide variety of end-use markets.

1. ABS is Very Structurally Sturdy The sturdy nature of ABS is part of the reason why this material is suitable for applications ranging from critical applications like the Class-A surface substrate in automotive interiors, to utility applications such as dunnage trays. This sturdiness can be attributed to the makeup of the material. Combine the strength and rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber and you are left with a material that has excellent impact resistance, toughness, and is ideal for applications where sturdiness, strength and stiffness are a critical requirement. ABS also exhibits excellent heat resistance and can withstand high temperatures, which contributes to its mechanical properties and makes it suitable for demanding applications.

2. ABS is an Amorphous Thermoplastic Polymer ABS is a thermoplastic polymer that is opaque in its natural state. The thermoplastic nature of ABS means that this material can be heated to its melting point, cooled, and re-heated again without significant degradation. Instead of burning, thermoplastics like ABS liquefy which allows them to be easily reprocessed for sheet extrusion and sold back into a thermoforming operation. ABS is also classified as an amorphous polymer. Polymers exhibit two types of morphology in a solid state – amorphous and semi-crystalline. Whereas a semi-crystalline polymer refers to a plastic with organized and tightly packed molecular chains, the polymer chains for amorphous plastic materials are more disorganized. In an amorphous polymer the molecules are oriented randomly and are intertwined. To offer a visual, the organization, or lack thereof, of the polymer chains for amorphous materials are often compared to a plate of cooked spaghetti. Amorphous polymers like ABS are also isotropic in flow, meaning that they shrink uniformly in the direction of the flow and transverse to flow. This typically results in less shrinkage and less warping than with semi-crystalline polymers. ABS polymer is also widely used in 3D printing due to its favorable material properties.

3. ABS is Recyclable Because ABS is a thermoplastic and not a thermoset, this means that the material can be recycled, ground up, reprocessed and reused into utility applications. This provides an even lower cost alternative for applications where aesthetics are not the main concern. Impact Plastics currently offers Utility / Recycled ABS sheet for non-critical applications. Recycling ABS helps reduce waste and supports the circular economy by enabling the reuse of recycled material in new products. While ABS can be recycled, it is not as readily recycled as some other plastics, and specialized processes are often required. The recycling symbol, plastic recycling codes, and the chasing arrows symbol are important for identifying ABS and other plastics for recycling. Test results of recycled ABS show that its mechanical properties remain robust after multiple recycling cycles. The environmental impact of plastics is significant, and recycling and reuse help reduce the high carbon footprint associated with plastic waste. Not all plastics are the most commonly recycled plastic; HDPE is often cited as the most commonly recycled plastic due to its widespread use in containers and bottles.

4. ABS has a Strong Resistance to Corrosive Chemicals

   At room temperature ABS plastics are characterized as having good chemical resistance to concentrated and diluted alkalis, diluted organic acids, diluted hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid, aliphatic hydrocarbons (gasoline) and to many aqueous salt solutions. In addition, mineral, animal and vegetable oils do not attack ABS. However, while there are many chemicals that ABS is resistant to there are several that attack this material, causing it to swell up and dissolve in part. These chemicals include low molecular aromatic substances, ketones, ethers, esters and chloro-hydrocarbons. Concentrated mineral acids, e.g. concentrated hydrochloric and sulphuric acid, fuming nitric acid and concentrated organic acids also act in a destructive manner.

5. ABS Can be Custom Colored

   The availability for custom colored and color match ABS makes this product a great option for both permanent and disposable point of purchase display. ABS can come in high and low gloss versions depending on aesthetic requirements, and the custom colors are added during the extrusion process eliminating the need for any paint work post-molding. Exact color matches are obtained by our x-rite color matching system and formulated by our partners.

6. ABS has a Low Melting Point

   ABS plastic is not typically used in high heat situations due to its low melting point. While this makes for easy processing, it also introduces one of the few limitations of the material. Although ABS is an FDA certified material, the low heat temperature produces limitations for certain markets because it cannot be microwaved or exposed to high heat environments. Compared to polycarbonate and other plastics in the plastic number 7 category, some of these, like polycarbonate, are used in products such as baby bottles, water bottles, and car parts, but may contain harmful chemicals like BPA.

7. ABS is FDA Certified

   ABS is relatively harmless in that it doesn’t have any known carcinogens and there are no known adverse health effects related to exposure to ABS. That said, ABS is typically not suitable for medical implants. Three products in the Magnum range of ABS resins have been approved for use in food contact application by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Magnum manufacturer Trinseo notes the FCN approval cover use in kitchen appliances, utensils and food packaging for frozen storage or at room temperature. ABS is considered safe and is often labeled as BPA free, with fewer harmful chemicals present compared to some other plastics. Examples of other plastics and their uses include flexible plastic for plastic bags and containers, HDPE for milk jugs and cooking oil bottles, PET for bottles and water bottles, and PLA for medical devices and takeaway containers.

For questions regarding how you can use ABS in your next thermoforming application, check out our materials page, or download our ABS material solutions to learn more today!

Explore Our ABS Solutions!

Introduction to Food Packaging

Packaging is more than just a protective layer around products—it’s a critical component in ensuring goods reach consumers safely, remain fresh, and are presented attractively on store shelves. The choice of packaging material can have far-reaching effects on product quality, environmental protection, and even human health. Among the many materials used, plastics play a dominant role due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Understanding the different types of plastics used in packaging is essential for manufacturers, businesses, and consumers alike. From ABS plastic (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) to PET plastic, HDPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene), polypropylene, polystyrene, and PVC (polyvinyl chloride), each type offers unique material properties and environmental impacts. Type 7 plastics, such as polycarbonate, are often used in food containers, but there are safety concerns regarding chemical leaching from these materials. Plastic containers are common household products made from various types of type 7 plastics, frequently used for food storage and packaging. Polystyrene, used in many disposable food containers, can leach styrene, which is identified as a possible human carcinogen, especially when heated or used with food. LDPE is commonly used for squeezable bottles due to its flexibility. As concerns about carbon emissions and sustainability grow, selecting the right plastic for packaging is more important than ever. The ability to recycle different types of plastics, including ABS, HDPE, and polycarbonate, is crucial, though there are challenges associated with recycling certain plastics. In this article, we’ll explore the world of plastics, with a special focus on ABS plastic, to help you make informed decisions that benefit both your products and the environment.

Properties and Uses of ABS 7 Plastic

ABS 7 plastic, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is renowned for its impressive combination of strength, impact resistance, and flexibility. These material properties make ABS a go-to choice for a wide range of products that demand durability and reliability. In the world of household appliances, ABS plastic is commonly found in kitchen utensils, vacuum cleaner housings, and even the outer shells of small electronics. Its ability to withstand everyday bumps and drops makes it ideal for toys, such as LEGO bricks, and protective carrying cases.

The low melting point of ABS plastic allows for easy processing, making it a favorite among manufacturers for injection molding and 3D printing applications. This ease of processing means that ABS can be efficiently shaped into complex forms, supporting innovative designs in automotive parts, medical devices, and food packaging. Its resistance to many chemicals further enhances its suitability for use in environments where exposure to cleaning agents or food substances is common. Whether it’s being used to create sturdy kitchen utensils, reliable medical device housings, or flexible components in consumer electronics, ABS 7 plastic continues to be a versatile and widely used material in modern manufacturing.

Comparison to Other Packaging Materials

When evaluating packaging materials, ABS 7 plastic stands out for its superior impact resistance and durability compared to other plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). While PVC and PET are commonly used in packaging, they tend to be more brittle and less able to withstand heavy impacts, making ABS a better choice for products that require extra protection during shipping or handling.

In terms of flexibility, ABS 7 plastic offers more give than high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP), which are often used for rigid containers and bottles. This flexibility makes ABS suitable for applications where a certain degree of bend or movement is needed without compromising structural integrity. However, it’s important to note that ABS is not as readily recycled as HDPE or PET, which are among the most commonly recycled plastics due to established recycling streams and widespread use in items like milk jugs and water bottles. Despite this, the unique combination of mechanical properties and versatility keeps ABS 7 plastic in high demand for packaging and other applications where performance is a top priority.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

ABS 7 plastic is generally considered safe for use in food packaging and other applications where it may come into contact with food, provided it is used within recommended temperature ranges. Its chemical stability and lack of known carcinogens make it a preferred material for many manufacturers. However, ABS is not suitable for use in high temperature environments, as exposure to elevated heat can cause the material to break down and potentially release harmful chemicals. This limitation means ABS should not be used in applications like microwaveable containers or cookware that will be exposed to direct heat.

From an environmental perspective, ABS 7 plastic is not biodegradable and can contribute to plastic waste if not properly managed. Manufacturers must adhere to regulatory guidelines, such as those set by the FDA, to ensure that ABS used in food packaging and other sensitive applications meets strict safety standards. As the industry moves toward more sustainable practices, compliance with these regulations is essential for protecting both human health and the environment.

Alternatives and Recycling Options

As sustainability becomes a greater priority, alternatives to ABS 7 plastic are gaining traction in the packaging and manufacturing industries. Polylactic acid (PLA), for example, is a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. PLA is increasingly used in 3D printing, food packaging, and disposable items where a lower environmental impact is desired.

In addition to exploring alternative materials, manufacturers are also investing in new recycling options for ABS 7 plastic. Mechanical recycling processes can break down used ABS into raw material that can be reused in the production of new products, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources. Chemical recycling methods are also being developed to further close the loop, breaking ABS down to its basic components for reuse in high-quality applications. These initiatives support the circular economy by keeping valuable materials in use and minimizing the environmental footprint of plastic waste. By combining innovative recycling programs with the adoption of sustainable materials, manufacturers can help ensure a more responsible future for packaging and product design.

Conclusion

Choosing the right packaging material is a crucial step in balancing product performance, cost, and environmental responsibility. ABS plastic stands out among other plastics for its exceptional impact resistance, structural sturdiness, and versatility across a wide range of applications—from automotive interiors and protective carrying cases to toys like LEGO bricks and various household appliances. Its recyclability and FDA certification for certain food contact applications make it a strong candidate for sustainable packaging solutions.

While not all plastics are created equal, understanding the unique properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) can help manufacturers and consumers make smarter choices that support a circular economy and reduce carbon emissions. As the demand for environmentally friendly and high-performance materials grows, ABS plastic continues to prove its value in packaging and beyond. For those seeking reliable, recyclable, and customizable plastic solutions, ABS remains a top contender in the world of modern materials.

1. ABS has a Strong Resistance to Corrosive Chemicals
   
   At room temperature ABS plastics are characterized as having good chemical resistance to concentrated and diluted alkalis, diluted organic acids, diluted hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid, aliphatic hydrocarbons (gasoline) and to many aqueous salt solutions. In addition, mineral, animal and vegetable oils do not attack ABS.
   
   However, while there are many chemicals that ABS is resistant to there are several that attack this material, causing it to swell up and dissolve in part. These chemicals include low molecular aromatic substances, ketones, ethers, esters and chloro-hydrocarbons. Concentrated mineral acids, e.g. concentrated hydrochloric and sulphuric acid, fuming nitric acid and concentrated organic acids also act in a destructive manner.
   
   
2. ABS Can be Custom Colored
   
   The availability for custom colored and color match ABS makes this product a great option for both permanent and disposable point of purchase display. ABS can come in high and low gloss versions depending on aesthetic requirements, and the custom colors are added during the extrusion process eliminating the need for any paint work post-molding. Exact color matches are obtained by our x-rite color matching system and formulated by our partners.
   
   
3. ABS has a Low Melting Point
   
   ABS plastic is not typically used in high heat situations due to its low melting point.  While this makes for easy processing, it also introduces one of the few limitations of the material. Although ABS is an FDA certified material, the low heat temperature produces limitations for certain markets because it cannot be microwaved or exposed to high heat environments.
   
   
4. ABS is FDA Certified
   
   ABS is relatively harmless in that it doesn't have any known carcinogens and there are no known adverse health effects related to exposure to ABS. That said, ABS is typically not suitable for medical implants. Three products in the Magnum range of ABS resins have been approved for use in food contact application by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Magnum manufacturer Trinseo notes the FCN approval cover use in kitchen appliances, utensils and food packaging for frozen storage or at room temperature.

For questions regarding how you can use ABS in your next thermoforming application, check out our materials page, or download our ABS material solutions to learn more today!